The second 2005 application period for Ameren Power Up grants opens Sept. 1 and continues through Oct. 15. During that time teachers can apply on-line for the three educational programs, valued annually at $900,000. For all grant programs, educators must be affiliated with schools that are electric and/or natural gas customers of AmerenCILCO, AmerenCIPS, AmerenIP or AmerenUE to be eligible to apply.
Through the Ameren Power Up Fuel Cell Kit Program, Ameren is providing self- contained solar hydrogen fuel cell energy systems---kits that high school science teachers can use to build awareness of renewable energy sources through hands-on experiments---and a curriculum that reinforces Ameren's commitment to the environment and explains energy generation through renewable resources. In 2005, Ameren will donate fuel cell kits totaling $150,000 to teachers.
Teachers must teach at public or private high schools in Ameren company service areas. Here are details on the two other Power Up programs:
• Offered last spring and again this fall, Ameren Power Up SMART Board' Interactive Whiteboards provide a touch-sensitive display about the size of a standard whiteboard. Hooked up to a computer and projector, this interactive whiteboard operates like a giant computer screen students and teachers simply touch to operate. Students can also write over applications in digital ink, then save their work for future study and review. The whiteboard engages students with diverse learning styles by providing both immediate access to a wide range of digital materials and a common focus for the entire class. With this program, the company became the first in the nation to supply grant money for SMART Boards in schools. In 2005, Ameren will donate more than 200 Ameren Power Up SMART Boards to area classrooms through a program valued at $600,000. The funding covers the costs of the boards, the software, connecting cables and training. Ameren Power Up SMART Boards go to public or private K-12 schools. Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants: In 2005, the company is awarding $250 Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants---totaling $150,000---directly to teachers. Half of those grants were awarded in the first half of 2005. This flexible grants program is for individual classroom teachers, who can use the funds for everything from calculators to basic supplies. Ameren Power Up Teacher Grants may be used for any classroom-related project that has an academic focus to improve student achievement. Teacher grants must fund projects or materials in public or private K-12 schools.
"These programs came in response to survey results from Ameren customers who said they care most about improving education," says Gary L. Rainwater, Ameren chairman, president and chief executive officer. "We care about our customers\- and the communities where we provide electricity and natural gas. These three distinct programs are aimed at supporting education throughout Ameren's 64,000- square-mile service area in Illinois and Missouri---where school systems face some tough financial pressures."
For more information and to apply, educators should visit www.ameren.com/education.
Ameren through its subsidiaries, serves 2.3 million electric and more than 900,000 natural gas customers in a 64,000-square-mile area of Illinois and Missouri.